Weigh-Less Wednesday

OK, so it has been a couple of weeks since I weighed in on Weigh-less Wednesday.  Between work, family/friends, and a few days in isolation due to the wonderful (and daily) changes in the weather, my time has been taken.  However, you will be proud to know that through it all I still managed to lose 4.5 lbs in the last week alone. 

Today I am proud to weigh in at 183.2 lbs! And I have lost 2 inches off my waist!  I have not taken pictures yet but as soon as I am 100% I will have some pics for you too see. 

I bet you want to know what I've been doing.  First, I take B-Vitamins.  They help to keep me from getting lazy, even after eating.  I also worked out everyday last week for at least 2 hours each day.  We all have a week that we can fast on doing all other things to focus on our health.  That's what I did.  I went jogging for 45-60 minutes.  Then came home to 30 minutes of Pilate's, 20 minutes of yoga and 200 crunches.  This was for 5 days straight.  I also maintained a healthy diet.  No fast, fried or junk.  Plenty of veggies, healthy starches and water.

Some of the things I enjoy/indulge:

 I LOVE LOVE LOVE CASHEWS!

I can eat them ALL day long...LITERALLY!

They are a good snack low in calories.  Just be sure to drink a lot of water if they contain salt.

 Salmon Burgers.

They are sooooooo good.  I eat them just like I would a regular burger.  Mayo, ketchup, cheese, the works!  They are hard to find but once you try one you will not be disappointed.  Unless you don't like seafood.

Baked Sweet Potatoes.

I eat these just like I would a regular baked potatoe.  I bake them in the oven with butter and cinnamon.  I may add some marshmallow to them to give it a little extra sweetness.  This is a good way to add some "good carbs" to your diet with out feeling guilty.  Sweet potates are naturally sweet and have good sources of vitamins and protein.

 

Skinny Cow Ice Cream. 

I always get a sweet tooth and this is perfect when I get those cravings for something sweet.  They have five different flavors all under 200 calories.  They are very tasty.  They also have ice cream bars and sandwiches.  (http://www.skinnycow.com/)



I am so proud of me, and I thank everyone that is supporting me and helping me! 

Weigh-less Wednesday

Ok...so I am posting from my phone. I know that it is late but I have to update you on this last week. Let's just say I was very naughty this week. Well not these last two days, but over the weekend I PIGGED...LITERALLY!

It was my mothers birthday, there were two parties, a girls night out and PLENTY of bottomless calories AKA cocktails!

This happens during the "die-it" process.  Minor setbacks. But I am back on track now. I have bumped my exercise to twice a day now. Just for 4 days so that I can make up. I have limited my calories to 1200 and am only drinking water. I have to cleanse myself of all that cake, ice cream, and this bottomless calories!

However, I am proud to say that I have stuck to my no pasta promise for lent.  Got a craving for it yesterday but I resisted!

Thanks for weighing in!

Weigh-less Wednesay

I know it's late. But I still want you to weigh in on Weigh-less Wednesday.

Today I was looking through Get Married magazine.  I came across an article by Karina Timmel

  (The website, www.getmarried.com did not provide the article online). 

In the article entitled "Drop It Like It's Hot" Jennifer Hudson's Weight Watchers coach, Liz Josefberg gives six ways to lose weight in 10 days.  The article was interesting to me...I'll tell you why after I list the tips. 

1. "STEP AWAY FROM THE DRAMA."  You know what that means right? Think happy thoughts!
2. "JOURNAL IT." Writing down what you eat is the top way to be accountable of what you are eating and hopefully help you to change your eating habits long-term."
3. "GET YOUR H2O ON." Drink six glasses a day and you will snack less.
4. "HANDS OFF PACKAGED FOODS." Those Lean Cuisine's are not all they're cracked up to be.  They are packed with sodium.  Proteins, fruits and veggies. Josefberg says you can lose up to four pounds and two weeks doing this.
5. "TAKE YOUR VITAMINS." A multivitamin is best.
6. "YOU'VE GOT TO MOVE IT." Simple exercising during TV commercials are good ways to burn a few calories in a day.

I absolutely love these tips.  Mainly because 4 out of 6 are already routine for me.  In previous posts I have highlighted the things that have worked for me.  Drinking plenty of water, the importance of exercising, taking vitamins and eating better foods are all ways to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Drama, well sometimes it's inevitable.  However I do my best to keep away from the CRAP some people throw this way. 

Now for tip #2, I have tried keeping a journal of what I eat.  Even I when I was younger I was never one to write things down in a journal.  So is going to be very difficult for me.  However, with the advancement of technology there are different phone applications that help you to keep track of what you eat.  If you have an iPhone or an Anroid phone you can download meal trackers and other health applications for free.

I have downloaded MyFitnessPal.  So for the next week I am going to keep track of everything I eat.  I’m going to be brutally honest on this one.  I say that because I have several cheats that I engage in.  Even still I’m losing weight, no matter how long the shed is taking.  So I will update you next week! 

I suggest you try these tips...they worked for J.Hud.  And in case you need a reminder:

Jennifer looks great!

iLOVE Sales (Part 1)!

If you're like me you love to look fabulous on a budget.  And the way the economy is going right now, who wants to spend all thier money on clothes and all thier time shopping and trying on countless items?  So I visit http://www.beyondtherack.com/ to get some of the best in fashion at a great price.  This website has something for every taste and budget.  It's an online department store with better merchandise and prices. 

Every week they have different sales.  Usually they last a day or two so you really have to "get in where you fit in" in order to snag the deals. Now, be advised, that once you create an account it is subject to approval.  But you should not have a problem gaining approval.

This weeks sales include Sean John Eyewear, some Prada bags, Leggings, Business Attire, Cookware, Serving Utensils, Watches, Boss Fragrances and Levi Jeans.  Also included in this week's sales are:

Sunglasses and Accessories by Jigsaw

 Women's Ready to Wear by Jack BB Dakota (LOVE)

Shoes by Lovely People, Max Studio and Mea Shadow

Swimwear by SAHA

Seriously...you all have to check out this site!  http://www.beyondtherack.com/

Trending Thursday

So spring is here!  Well almost.  Soon everyone will be putting away their coats and snow boots for soft leathers and loafers.  Today's trend is all about colors!  Check out 'Hype Style' for some hot spring frocks from Diane Von Furstenburg, Roberto Cavalli, Jessica Simpson and BCBG. 

You can also check out beyondtherack.com.  They have some of the best sales on designer clothes, bags and accessories.  I'll update you on Mondays with their weekly events.  This week sales include Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney handbags, and Naem Denim.  All of which are ULTRA FAB! 

Weigh-less Wednesday

So we’re 31/2 months into 2011.  I have been working really hard on various things and the most difficult task that I have is keeping up with my better eating and exercise plan.  Recently my mother has joined in and we are both trying to eat better and work out more.  We have been motivating and supporting each other. 

So I have set Wednesday to be my day to weigh in with my followers.  I hope that some of the things I have been doing to get fit will help you.  I have discovered that once a habit is formed then it is difficult to break.  So as long as we continue to make a habit of exercising and eating right it will become a part of our everyday routine. 

I make it a point to exercise 3-5 times a week for at least an hour each time.  I dedicate 20-25 minutes to hard cardio.  15-20 minutes of stretching, and the reset is divided between resistance workouts, ab lounging and dancing.  I love to dance.  It makes me sweat, I’m having fun and I’m burning calories in the process. 

The last weigh-in was two months ago.  I must admit I have gotten off to a slow start.  However, lately I have been serious about achieving my weight loss goals.  As of today I am 188.7 LBS.  That's almost 7 LBS, with 3.1 of that being in the last week.  I feel great!

Things that have worked for me:

Staying away whatever foods that will make me over-indulge.

Drinking LOTS of water.

Minimize “bad” carb intake. 

Exercise 4-6 hours a week.

Take plenty of vitamins.  B-vitamin, multivitamin, etc.

Hopefully some of the things can help you achieve your goals on your own terms at your own pace.

March Madness

It's March!  Almost time to trade in those heavy downs and thick boots for light leathers and nice loafers.  Time to do away with the browns and blacks and incorporate some color and fun into your wardrobe.  And, most importantly, do away with the wigs and weaves and let your natural hair blow in the wind. 

March is the deal breaker for summer.  Similar to mid-terms during the semester, March determines how the summer will begin and end.  This is a time to decide if you're going to buckle down and take all your 2011 goals seriously.  If you're like me, you plan everything, down to what your 'signature' will be for the summer.  Every lady should have a few signatures, some trends that are all your own for the season. 

March also means more opportunity for you to workout for free!  Slack up on the gym, or get out of the house if you do not have a gym membership.  Incorporate some walking and jogging to your weight-loss regimen.  It's not too cold out if you're wearing the right clothing.

March is a time to lose the gloom and let the sun shine on your life.  And, as promised, check out Hype Style every Tuesday and Thursday in the month of March for my trends.  I know I missed Tuesday, so today I'm going to give you two trends that I've seen.  So be sure to click on "Hype Style" for the update! 

Here's one of my signatures for the summer:  Crazy nails!  You're going to see some bold colors, crazy designs...oh and I'm on a search to find  the O.P.I cracked polish in the city.  If you know where to buy it let me know!

What's your signature for the summer?

Stick To It

We are about 6 weeks in 2011 and the fight to get fit starts to get rough.  REALLY ROUGH.  As the weather breaks lots of things happen.  People start going out more (which is usually accompanied by a few drinks).  Holidays like Valentine's Day, Easter and these "one-dayers"(MLK, Presidents Day etc.) make it easy to snack on things we shouldn't.  And eventually the sun will bring out those grills! 

What do you do to avoid the roller coaster that losing/gaining weight becomes...FIGHT!  HARD!  If people like Raven, Jen and Aretha can drop the pounds why can't us "Regular Josie's" do the same?  Well here are some of my tips when you feel like you want to binge...

1. Stock-up on the good stuff...100 calorie packs are good, but you can make your own snack packs.  Pretzels, nuts (unsalted or lightly-salted), raisins (they help you with that sweet tooth) and a variety of fruits.
2. Create a log of what you eat...doing this will help you to see exactly what you're eating, and help you to develop your own eating plan.  This way you can develop a diet that is right for you.
3. Take pictures...of yourself and your progress.
4. Build a support group.  A group of people that will help you take weight-loss seriously.

Here's me after 3 weeks of exercising:

Ok, so I know that it's the infamous bathroom pic but I had no one to take the pic for me!  I am looking to get rid of that side fat you see and slim those thighs!  I will keep you posted!  Also, click on the "Get Fit" page for more pics of me! 

What are you doing to build a healthy lifestyle?  Share it with My Fabulous Followers! 

Peace and Blessings!!

Back To Life

When I started this blog, I was just looking for something to do.  I did not sit down and develop a plan for making this thing work.  After hitting a low point over the holidays I realized that I have not put my energy toward ANYTHING that I started.  And because of that, I have not been successful.  I am officially declaring my blog:

Yes...under construction.  That does not mean I am giving up...now I am acutually taking the time to plan before implementing!  Stay tuned!

90210 Recap

Season Premiere 90210 on 1/24/2011

So I absolutely LOVE 90210!!  Last night was the season premiere and (as usual) they brought it in with a bang!  I don’t even know where to begin!  Teddy…I knew he was gay from the beginning.  His commitment issues with women were a DEAD giveaway.  I know he and Silver dated and he may have liked her but they never seemed 100% into it.  Speaking of Silver, why is she SMASHING ALL THE HOMIES???  Tristan, Teddy and now Navid?  I wonder how she’s going react when she finds out Teddy likes men!  Next, I am soooooo glad Naomi whooped Mr. Cannons you know what!  And she was giving it to him too.  She could’ve killed him, and plead emotional insanity and grave depression due to the rape.  Do you think her sister will resurface?  I mean she does have a child to raise right.  I wonder will Adriana’s child will come up in the midst of all her drama.  Poor girl.  She should’ve known her manager would stab her in the back.  Charlie (who is played by Diana Ross’ son Evan Ross) is such a cutie.  He’s like all grown up from his role in ATL.  Although I’m glad that he and Liam were able to make up, poor Annie is now stuck.  She smashed the homie too!  There were a few people missing in this episode.  Oscar, Ivy’s Mom (I mean she did almost die).  Lastly the cousin, I’m not sure about her yet.  This season should be interesting to say the least.  I cannot wait until next Monday. 

I’ll be giving my review of The Game in the morning.  Happy Tuesday!

Building A New ME!!

In 2004 I started college.  I'm sure most of you have hear of the "Freshman 20."  Well I didn't have that problem.  As a matter of fact I stayed consistent with my weight throughout undergrad.  It wasn't until 2008 that I really started gaining weight, and now finding myself almost 200lbs!  This is the biggest I've ever been!  So I'm on a journey to re-invent myself!  So this is day one and I'm hoping that you will help me stick to my regimen!

1/13/2011 Weight: 195.6lbs. Goal: 150lbs. 6 months. 

PLEASE HELP!

So I started this morning with a hearty breakfast that consisted of egg whites, turkey bacon, rice and my Proteini!!  So I know what you're thinking...the rice.  (smile).  It's early in the day so I have time to burn those calories off!  Now, what's on your mind next...That Proteini? Yeah it's my very own way to add more protein to my diet.  Protien is hard to incorporate but this "tini" does so in a delicious way and here is the recipe:

Materials:
One scoop of whey protein (or any powder protein)
2/3 cup of apple juice
1/2 cup of Naked Brand Juice2 cups of ice
1 Martini Shaker

Pour ice, apple juice, Naked Brand Juice and scoop of powder in to shaker. Shake for 30-40 seconds.  Pour into martini glass and enjoy!  Naked Brand Juices are 100% Juice and can be found at most grocery stores.  (Makes to servings if using martini glass).

This drink will help to control your appetite, making you feel fuller.  Try it out ladies and let me know what you think! 

Wish me luck!

Alicia J

Politically Me Pt. 1

When I was in school I made it a point to wake watching CNN and go to sleep watching CNN.  I think that everyone should be in the know about what's going on in the world.  Everything that happens around us effects our everyday lives.  Every now and then I get an itch to turn on the news.  Lately I've been into Illinois politics.  I live here, I grew up here and for as long as I can remember Illinois has had gruesome political practices.  Check out my Fabu-BASH of 'Gov.' Pat Quinn.  I cannot believe this man.  67% Tax increase...REALLY?  SMH...Time to go...

Oh yes, and you can also comment on the Lace Wigs too...SMH..

My New Years Eve!

So the day started out with a lot of running.  First it was the grocery store.  I had to prepare Taco Dip and Rotel.  Well there were only two lines open at Food For Less.  What I though would be a quick 30-minute trip turned into 2 hours!  How bout that.  When I finally got the groceries it was on to Famous.  The local liquor store.  To my surprise, my time spent there was not what I anticipated I was in and out.  So two runs down, one to go.  The search for party favors!  Total stores visited: 5!  YES! 5 stores.  Just for a chamagne glasses, noise makers, and poppers.  Who would've thought?  Oh...I bet you're wondering what I did...well I spent the night with the Sassy Wife (author of Sassy Wife Chronicles http://www.sassymahoganywife.com/).  Boy was it a night!  The best view of Chicago:

It was cloudy but I was able to see the fireworks PERFECTLY!  The night started with Tequila shots...and ended with me on the couch at 9:30 am New Years Day asking for some more hot wings!  Everything in between went so fast (WINK) that I don't remember (WINK).  Although I wasn't at the club, wasn't with ALL of my ladies, didn't get that infamous NYE kiss...I had the time of my life!  With my family!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!